Steam-heated pressing irons



United States Patent Cilice j 2,757,465' Patented Aug. 7, 1956 2,757,465 STEAM-HEATED PRESSING IRONS Lloyd D. Myers, Minneapolis, Minn. Application July 13, '1953, Serial No. 367,501 3 Claims. (Cl. 38--77) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in clothes pressing irons, and more particularly, to an iron of this general type which is steam or fluid heated. The novel pressing iron herein disclosed is extremely simple and inexpensive, whereby it is particularly well adapted for domestic use, and an object of the invention is to provide such an apparatus which is not likely to become overheated when in normal use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pressing iron, comprising a steam chamber having a steam inlet provided with means for detachably securing one end of a flexible conduit thereto, and said chamber having a valve-controlled steam outlet, preferably at the opposite end thereof for controlling and regulating the tlow of steam from the iron onto the fabric being pressed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a steam heated iiatiron comprising a steam chamber, the lower portion of which may serve as a reservoir or sump for receiving the condensate, resulting from a portion of the steam condensing in the steam chamber and valve means during the operation of the iron.

A further and more specific object is to provide a pressing iron of the character disclosed, comprising a steam chamber having an outlet, and a sleeve-type valve being connected to said outlet for controlling the flow of steam from the steam chamber to the fabric being pressed, said Sleeve valve also functioning as a drain valve for draining steam condensate from the steam chamber when desired.

A further object is to provide a pressing iron comprising a non-metallic base-plate, having a longitudinally extending groove in its bottom surface which is in constant communication with the steam outlet of said chamber, thereby to facilitate the distribution of the steam along the length of the base-plate of the iron, when the iron is in use.

A further and more specific object of the invention is to provide a steam-heated clothes pressing iron comprising a hollow body having a flat bottom provided with means for detachably securing a wooden base plate thereto, and whereby the danger of scorching the material being pressed, is entirely eliminated.

Other objects of the invention reside in the unique configuration of the body of the iron, cross-sectionally, whereby the user of the iron may readily and conveniently grasp said body with one hand and manipulate the iron over the article or material to be pressed; in the Slip-lit connection between the steam supply conduit and the steam chamber; in the construction of the steam control valve whereby a single valve serves to control and regulate the flow of steam from the steam chamber onto the material, and for subsequently draining the liquid condensate from the steam chamber following a period of use; and in the provision of such an apparatus which is extremely simple and inexpensive in construction, is light in weight, and is so designed and proportioned that it may readily be operated for long periods without causing undue fatigue.

panying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings there has been disclosed a structure designed to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is not confined to the exact features shown, as Various changes may be made within the scope of the claims which follow.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal view on the line 1-1 of Figure 3, showing the control valve in open position;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view on the line 2-2 of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a top view of Figure l;

Figure 4 is a detail sectional view on the line 4*4 of Figure 1, showing the valve in open position;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, showing the valve in closed position;

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view on the line 6-6 of Figure 2, showing the valve positioned to close the water drain, as when the iron is in use, some of the parts being omitted;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, showing the valve positioned to open the water drain; and

Figure 8 is a bottom View of the pressing iron showing the wooden sole plate to illustrate the direction of the fibers therein.

The novel pressing iron herein disclosed is shown comprising a hollow elongated body, generally designated by the numeral 2, which is preferably configurated, cross sectionally, as shown in Figure 2. The body 2 comprises an inner steam-tight shell 3 and an outer shell 4, which are spaced apart, as shown in Figures l and 2, to receive therebetween a suitable insulating material 5", which serves to insulate the outer jacket or shell 4 from the inner shell to prevent the conduction of heat thereto from the inner shell. The inner shell is provided with a tubular nipple 8 is secured to the end wall 7 and extends outwardly therefrom through the end wall 9 of the outer shell 4, as best illustrated in Figure 1.

The portion of the nipple 8 which extends outwardly from the end wall 9 is exteriorly threaded, as indicated in Figure l, and a cup-shaped element llis secured thereto adjacent to the end Wall 9. The element 11 serves as a guard for protecting the exterior threads on the nipple 8, and the adjacent end of a ilexible steam supply A threaded bushing or sleeve supply conduit to the steam inlet nipple 8, as will be understood by reference to Figure l.

The threaded engagement of the sleeve 13 with the nipple 8 provides free rotary movement or adjustment of the nipple relative to the body of the pressing iron, without causing steam leakage from the steam chamber 14, defined by the walls of the inner shell 3. The opposite end of the steam supply conduit l2 is connected to a suitable source of steam under pressure, not shown in` and 1d are provided with depending parallel flanges 21 and 22, respectively, as illustrated in Figure 2.

A bottom plate 23 is secured to the outwardly flared portions 24 and 25 of the side walls 1S and 16, and is adapted to be` seated on top of a base plate 26 and secured thereto by suitable means, such as screws 29. The flanges 21 and 22 are preferably received in longitudinally extending grooves provided in the upper face of the base plate 26, as will be understood by reference to Figure 2. When the hollow body 2 is thus secured to the base plate 26, the body 2 becomes, in effect, an integral part thereof, and provides a convenient handle for the iron.

An important feature of the invention resides in the construction of the base plate 26. This base plate is constructed of wood, whereby it cannot become overheated to the extent that it will scorch the material being ironed or pressed. The fibers of the wooden base plate are disposed lengthwise thereof to facilitate manipulation of the iron over the material being pressed.

Means is provided for controlling the flow of steam from the steam chamber 14 onto the material or article to be pressed, and is shown comprising a sleeve valve, generally designated by the numeral 33. The valve 33 embodies an upright tube 27 having its lower end passing through an aperture provided in the bottom wall 28 of the inner shell 3, and through a similar aperture provided in the plate 23. The lower terminal of tube 27 is received in a bore provided in the base plate 26, and is in communication with a steam distributing groove 29 provided in the bottom surface of the base plate 26, and extending substantially the length thereof. The groove 29 conducts steam along the bottom surface of the base plate 26 into contact with the fabric or article being pressed, as will readily be understood by reference to Figure 1.

The upper end portion 31 of the tube 27 is offset, as shown in Figure 1, and is fixedly secured to the periphery of a fixed tubular member 32, which constitutes the body of the sleeve valve 33. The connection between the upper offset end portion 31 of the tube 27, and the connection between the upright portion of said tube and the bottom wall 28 of the inner shell 3 are welded or otherwise sealed, so as 'to prevent steam leakage from the chamber 14 at these points, as will be understood.

The tubular valve body 32 is interiorly threaded, and a hollow exteriorly threaded valve element 34 is received in threaded engagement with the valve body 32, and has a finger grip 44 at its upper end to facilitate operating the valve, as will be understood by reference to Figures 1 and 2. The threaded connection between the valve element 34 and wall of the valve body 32 frictionally retains the tubular valve member in adjusted position.

Horizontally aligned apertures 35 are provided in the tubular valve element 34 adapted to register with similar apertures 36 provided in the fixed tubular valve body 32, when it is desired to supply steam to the groove 29 of the base plate, as when the iron is being used, as illustrated in Figure l. One of the apertures 36 in the valve body 32 is in constant communication with the upper end of the tube 27, so that whenever the tubular valve element 34 is positioned, as shown in Figures l and 4, steam may iiow freely from the steam chamber 14 to the material or fabric upon which the iron may have been placed to initiate an ironing or pressing operation.

Horizontally aligned apertures 37 are provided in the valve body 32 and valve element 34 at an elevation below the upper horizontally aligned apertures 35 and 36, and serve to permit additional steam to enter the hollow valve element 34, as will be understood by reference to Figure l.

Means is also provided for draining water or condensate from the bottom of the steam chamber 14 to prevent it from being carried upwardly throughv the tubulark valve element 34 and into the tube 27 to the material being pressed. The means provided for thus draining the condensate from the chamber 14 is shown comprising an aperture 38 provided in the wall of the tubular valve body 32 adjacent to the bottom wall 28 of the inner shell 3, as shown in Figure l. A similar aperture 39 is provided in the tubular valve element 34, and is horizontally aligned with ythe aperture 38. When the valve stem is in the position shown in Figures l and 4, the aperture 39 is out of registry with the aperture 38, whereby water which may have accumulated in the bottom of the steam chamber cannot enter the tubular valve element 34.

A drain tube 41 has one end in communication with the lower end of the tubular valve body of the sleeve valve 33, and is suitably fixed to the base. The valve element 34 extends slightly below the intake end of the drain tube 41 and has a drain aperture 42 therein which is normally out of alignment with the drain tube 41; the valve element 34 is positioned as shown in Figures l and 2. When it is desired to drain water from the steam chamber 14, the operator simply rotates the valve element 34 from the full to the dotted line position, shown in Figure 3, or to an angle of about degrees, from the full line position shown in Figure 3.

Such rotation of the valve stem brings the apertures 38 and 29 into registration with one another, and at the same time, the drain opening 42 in the lower end of the valve stem is 'brought into alignment with the drain tube 41, as illustrated in Figure 7. When the valve element 34 is so positioned, any condensate or water in the bottom of the steam chamber may flow freely therefrom through the lower end of the valve element 34 to the atmosphere, as may be readily understood by reference to Figure 2.

The novel atiron herein disclosed has been found extremely efficient in the operation of pressing clothes and the like. The wooden base plate eliminates all danger of scorching the fabric, and, in addition, it does not impart a sheen or polish to the surface of the fabric, which frequently occurs when using a pressing iron having a metallic base plate. The iron operates very etilciently with a very low steam pressure, usually about two ounces, whereby steam may readily be generated in a small portable steamer placed at a convenient location in proximity to the ironing board or place of operation.

The threaded connection between the steam supply conduit 12 and the fixed nipple 8 of the iron permits the steam conduit to relatively rotate or swivel with respect to the body of the iron, when the latter is in use. lt will also be noted that the finger grip 44 of the steam control valve 33 is conveniently located at the forward end of the iron, whereby it may readily and conveniently be manipulated by the operator while the iron is in use. A small pin 43 is preferably provided in the finger grip or head 44 of the valve element, adapted to alternately engage fixed abutment pins d5 and 46 provided in the upper end of the tubular member 32 of the sleeve valve 33, thereby to limit the rotary movement of the valve element 34 between open and closed positions.

The insulated jacket provided around the inner shell 3 of the steam chamber 14 maintains the outer shell 4 at a temperature which may readily be grasped by the operators bare hand without discomfort. The base plate is preferably rectangular in configuration, as shown in Figure 3, but may be otherwise shaped if desired.

It is also to be understood that while the base plate is herein shown and described as being made of wood, it may be made from other materials suitable for the purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible in view of the prior art.

l claim:

l. A pressing iron comprising an elongated hollow body forming a steam chamber, a Wooden base plate secured to the bottom of said elongated body adapted to engage the material or article to be pressed, means at one end of said chamber for supplying steam under pressure thereto, a steam discharge conduit at the opposite end of said body for conducting steam from the Steam chamber through the base plate and into contact with the material being pressed, and valve means for controlling and regulating the ow of steam from the steam` chamber to the material being pressed.

2. A pressing iron according to claim 1, wherein the valve means comprises a fixed upright tubular member having its upper end in communication with the upper end of said steam discharge conduit and having a water drain at its bottom end, and a sleeve valve being rotatable in said upright tubular member for controlling and regulating the ow of steam from the steam chamber through said discharge conduit to the material being pressed, and whereby excess moisture and water accumulating in the pressure chamber may be drained therefrom.

3. A pressing iron comprising an elongated hollow body including an inner steamtight shell and an outer shell which is insulated from the inner shell to minimize the conduction of heat from the inner to the outer shell, means at one end of said inner shell for supplying steam under pressure thereto, means at the opposite end of said inner shell for controlling and regulating the flow of steam from the steam chamber' onto the fabric being pressed, said body being detachably secured to an elongated rectangular wooden base plate having its tibers disposed lengthwise thereof, said outer enclosing shell having the lower portions of its side walls curving outwardly and inwardly to provide longitudinally extending recesses for receiving the tips of the iingers, when grasping said elongated body in the operation of the iron.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS D. 157,605 Krause Mar. 7J 1950 169,496 Swift Nov. 2, 1875 1,065,873 Kako une 24, 1913 2,074,159 Bailey Mar. 16, 1937 FOREIGN PATENTS 832,044 France lune 20, 1938 145,129 Switzerland Apr. 16, 1931 

